It is wise to prescribe NSAIDs with modern gastroprotective agents?

Abstract

The administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) leads to mucosal lesions in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Furthermore, NSAIDs increase the risk of ulcer bleeding and perforation, but the overall risk of fatal complications is relatively small (about 21 per one million prescriptions). Therefore, in asymptomatic patients, it is not justified to prescribe NSAIDs together with gastroprotective agents. The following recommendations can be given with respect to the management of peptic lesions in patients taking NSAIDs: (i) Fibre endoscopy should be performed even when there are relatively mild symptoms since mucosal lesions in rheumatic patients under NSAIDs produce minor or no symptoms. (ii) "Modern" NSAIDs might produce less gastric lesions than aspirin. (iii) Rheumatic patients with peptic disorders should be treated with an H2-antagonist. (iv) After complications such as ulcer bleeding or after rapid recurrence of peptic lesions, maintenance treatment with an H2-antagonist is advisable.